Homework

Parents, please make homework a top priority by scheduling 40 to 50 minutes each day for your child to study spelling, vocabulary, and complete classwork and homework. Children need routine and structure to be successful. Before your child begins his/her nightly assignments, be sure to check his/her Channel Book and this blog.

Rationale for assigning Homework:

Homework is important because it teaches responsibility and helps students develop good study habits. In addition, homework helps to reinforce lessons that have been learned in class, and helps prepare students for upcoming lessons and tests.

Homework Expectations:

Homework should not take more than 40 to 50 minutes a night. Students have plenty of time during the day to complete classwork. Any classwork not completed should be considered homework and will add to the estimated time your child will spend per night. In addition, time should be set aside daily for independent reading, studying spelling, and vocabulary.

Please encourage your child to do his/her best work. Homework should be neat. All written work should be done in pencil or blue pen. Homework will not be accepted if written in pen, crayon, marker, etc. When completing work on notebook paper the heading should include name, date, subject, and the page number of the assignment.

When is Homework Assigned?:

 Written homework is assigned every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday unless specifically noted in your child’s Channel Book.  Also, students are expected to set aside a minimum of 15-20 minutes for reading. 

If for some reason no homework is assigned on a designated homework day, your child should still spend some time reading or studying.

What if the Student Doesn't Know the Homework Assignment:

Homework assignments are written on the white board, in the designated space, each afternoon. Students are given plenty of time to write down the assignments. In addition, I explain the homework and remind the students what they will need to take home. There is no excuse for a student not knowing the homework assignments, or for not taking home the proper supplies needed to complete them. Fifth grade students must learn to be responsible. Please support me in this matter.

Expectations for Turning in Homework Late:

If for some reason (sickness, emergencies, etc.) a student is unable to complete homework, please write a note, and the assignment will be excused until the next day or longer if needed. However, please don't write a note asking for more time to complete homework if the reason is due to lack of materials, or because your child didn't write down the assignment. Please remember, this will hurt your child in the long run because it sends the message that it is okay not to pay attention when we are going over homework. When students face the consequences of their actions it helps to prepare them to become more responsible, independent workers in the future. (I know this is hard. Please work with me on this.)